Golf ball and method of making same

ABSTRACT

Golf ball comprising a core, a cover, a first matte coating layer formed from a first matte coating composition, and a second matte coating layer formed from a second matte coating composition; wherein the first matte coating composition is different than the second matte coating composition.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention broadly comprises golf ball constructionsthat create unique visual appearances without sacrificing durability andother desirable playing characteristics, and methods of making such golfballs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, both professional and amateur golfers alike use multi-piece,solid golf balls. A single or multi-layered core is encapsulated by atleast one layer such as a single or multi-layered cover, and optionallyone or more intermediate layers may be disposed there between tocomplete the golf ball construction.

Golf ball manufacturers pre-select the materials for each layer totarget and impart desirable golf ball performance properties. Currently,a broad range of options are available for strategically incorporatingand coordinating layers within each golf ball construction. Inmulti-layered golf balls, each of the core, intermediate layer and coverproperties, such as hardness, compression, resilience, specific gravity,outer diameter, and thickness can be preselected and coordinated totarget play characteristics such as spin, initial velocity and feel ofthe resulting golf ball.

Furthermore, while conventional golf balls are white, some golfers enjoydistinguishing themselves on the course by playing a golf ball having aunique visual appearance. Thus, golf ball manufacturers seek to developnovel golf ball constructions that satisfy this demand withoutsacrificing color stability, durability and other desirable playingcharacteristics.

It is with respect to these and other general considerations that theaspects disclosed herein have been made. Also, although relativelyspecific problems may be discussed, it should be understood that theexamples should not be limited to solving the specific problemsidentified in the background or elsewhere in this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a golf ball of the invention comprises a core, a cover, afirst matte coating layer formed from a first matte coating composition,and a second matte coating layer formed from a second matte coatingcomposition; wherein the first matte coating composition is differentthan the second matte coating composition.

In one embodiment, the first matte coating composition comprises a firstmatting agent;

the second matte coating composition comprises a second matting agent;and the first matting agent and the second matting agent are different.

In another embodiment, the first matte coating composition comprises afirst matting agent; the second matte coating composition comprises asecond matting agent; and the first matting agent and the second mattingagent are the same.

In a particular embodiment, the first matte coating compositioncomprises a base resin, a matting agent, a water-based solvent and acrosslinker; and the second matte coating composition comprises a baseresin, a matting agent, a non-water-based solvent, and a hardener.

In a specific embodiment, the first matte coating composition has afirst gloss value GV_(CM1) as measured at a first angle of incidenceusing a gloss meter in accordance with ASTM D523; the second mattecoating composition has a second gloss value GV_(CM2) as measured at asecond angle of incidence using a gloss meter in accordance with ASTMD523; the first angle of incidence is the same as the second angle ofincidence; and GV_(CM1) is different than GV_(CM2).

In one such embodiment, the first matte coating composition and thesecond matte coating composition, combined, have a gloss value GV_(CB)as measured at a third angle of incidence using a gloss meter inaccordance with ASTM D523; the third angle of incidence is the same aseach of the first angle of incidence and the second angle of incidence;and GV_(CB) is different than one or more of GV_(CM1) or GV_(CM2).

In a specific embodiment, GV_(CB) is less than one or more of GV_(CM1)or GV_(CM2).

In a one embodiment, the second matte coating layer is formed about andadjacent to the first matte coating layer; and GV_(CM2) is less thanGV_(CM1).

In an alternative embodiment, the second matte coating layer is formedabout and adjacent to the first matte coating layer; and GV_(CM2) isgreater than GV_(CM1).

In preferred embodiments, each of GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) is up to 20gloss units (GU), or up to 15 GU, or up to 10 GU, or up to 5 GU.

Meanwhile, in specific embodiments, GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) differ by atleast 3 GU, or by at least 5 GU, or by at least 7 GU, or by up to 12 GU.

In one embodiment, the angle of incidence is 60°. In another embodiment,the angle of incidence is 85°.

In a particular embodiment, the first matte coating composition has achroma C*_(CM1) as defined in the CIELAB color space; the second mattecoating composition has a chroma C*_(CM2) as defined in the CIELAB colorspace; the golf ball has an overall golf ball color appearance having achroma C*_(GB) as defined in the CIELAB color space; and C*_(GB) isdifferent than one or more of C*_(CM1) or C*_(CM1).

The invention also relates to a method of making a golf ball of theinvention comprising the steps of: providing a subassembly; forming afirst matte coating layer about an outer surface of the subassembly;forming a second matte coating layer about an outer surface of the firstmatte coating layer; wherein: the first matte coating layer is formedfrom a first matte coating composition; the second matte coating layeris formed from a second matte coating composition; and the first mattecoating composition is different than the second matte coatingcomposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A golf ball of the invention comprises a core, a cover, a first mattecoating layer formed from a first matte coating composition, and asecond matte coating layer formed from a second matte coatingcomposition; wherein the first matte coating composition is differentthan the second matte coating composition.

Herein, each matte coating layer and respective matte coatingcomposition contains a matting agent. In this regard, the term “mattingagent” refers to any ingredient or combination of ingredients thatreduces the gloss value of a coating composition, wherein gloss value ismeasured using a gloss meter according to ASTM D523 and is expressed asgloss units “GU”.

Non-limiting examples of suitable matting agents include alumina,magnesia, titania, zirconia, zircon; metal hydroxides and metal oxidessuch as aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, tin oxide, titanium dioxide,and zirconium dioxide; metal stearates such as aluminum stearate,calcium stearates, magnesium stearate, and zinc stearate; silicas suchas amorphous silica, fuming silica, silica gel, and pyrogenic silica;(meth)acrylic compounds; waxes, such as micronized wax, polypropylenewaxes, and wax-treated silica; microbeads, such as polyamide microbeads,polyurethane microbeads, and silicone microbeads; silicon-based mattingagents; condensates such as polyether condensate and urea-formaldehydecondensate; polyethylene; polypropylene; polytetrafluoroethylene; ormixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the first matte coating composition comprises a firstmatting agent; the second matte coating composition comprises a secondmatting agent; and the first matting agent and the second matting agentare different.

In this regard, two given matting agents differ, for example, if the twogiven matting agents are different types of matting agents, havedifferent formulations, have different average particle sizes, aresurface treated versus not surface treated, have different surfacetreatments, have different physical properties, and/or are identical butare included in two given matte coating compositions in differentrelative amounts/dosages.

The chemical and physical properties of a matting agent will impact itsmatting effect. For example, the gloss value of a matte coatingcomposition generally reduces as the concentration/dosage of the mattingagent is increased in the matte coating composition. Meanwhile,generally, the larger the particles of a matting agent, the moreeffective is the matting effect of the matte coating composition.Moreover, high pore volume (the number of internal voids in mattingparticles) can influence the rheology of the coating. And surfacetreatment of matting particles will generally alter/adjust the physicaland/or properties of the matting agent.

In another embodiment, the first matte coating composition comprises afirst matting agent; the second matte coating composition comprises asecond matting agent; and the first matting agent and the second mattingagent are the same.

In this regard, two given matting agents are considered to be the samematting agent if the two given matting agents are the same type ofmatting agents and have the same formulations and have the same chemicaland physical properties and are included in two given matte coatingcompositions in the same amounts/dosages/concentrations.

The first matte coating composition and the second matte coatingcomposition may also or alternatively differ with respect to ingredientsor properties unrelated to the matting agent. For example, the firstmatte coating composition and the second matte coating composition maydiffer with respect to presence of coloring agent versus beingcolorless; including crosslinker versus including hardener; type ofcrosslinker; type of hardener; type of solvent included; type of baseresin included; inclusion versus exclusion of color effects; type ofcolor effect included; inclusion versus exclusion of processing aid;type of processing aid included; inclusion versus exclusion of UVstabilizer; type of UV stabilizer included; inclusion versus exclusionof adhesion promoting agent; type of adhesion promoting agent included;degree of transparency; degree of translucency; etc.—with the onelimitation being that each of the differing matte coating compositionsand resultant matte coating layers (whether colored or colorless) has agloss value that is categorized as being matte when measured using agloss meter in accordance with ASTM D523 and expressed in units GU.

The first matte coating composition may be waterborne (incorporates awater-based solvent) or solvent-borne (incorporates a non-water-basedsolvent such as but not limited to acetone, ketones, acetates orpropanediols).

Non-limiting examples of ketones include methyl ethyl ketone, methylamyl ketone, dimethyl heptanone, methyl pentanone, methyl isobutylketone, methyl isoamyl ketone, or cyclohexanone. Non-limiting examplesof acetates include methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, monomethyl etheracetate, or butyl acetate. A non-limiting example of a suitablepropanediol is propylene glycol.

Typically, a waterborne coating incorporates a crosslinker such as butnot limited to CX-100, available from DSM Coating Resins LLC., which isan active polyfunctional aziridine liquid crosslinker.

In turn, a solvent-borne coating typically incorporates a hardener suchas a polyisocyanate-based hardener.

Thus, in a particular embodiment, the first matte coating compositioncomprises a base resin, a matting agent, a water-based solvent and acrosslinker; and the second matte coating composition comprises a baseresin, a matting agent; a non-water-based solvent, and a hardener. Thebase resins may be the same or different polyurethanes, for example. Inthis embodiment, the hardener may include, for example, a polyisocyanateresin having at least two isocyanate groups.

Coating layers, and preferably the top or outermost coating layer mayinclude an optical brightener that absorbs at least some UV light atwavelengths greater than about 350 nm, and emits visible light, and astabilizer package. A light stabilizer package may include at least oneUV light absorber and, optionally, at least one light stabilizer, suchas a hindered amine light stabilizer.

Examples of suitable UV absorbers include triazines, benzoxazinones,benzotriazoles, benzophenones, benzoates, formamidines,cinnamates/propenoates, aromatic propanediones, benzimidazoles,cycloaliphatic ketones, formanilides, cyanoacrylates, benzopyranones,and mixtures thereof.

The UV absorber is preferably present in an amount between about 0.1weight percent and about 6.0 weight percent and more preferably, in anamount between about 1.0 weight % to about 5.0 weight % based on thetotal weight of the matte coating composition. Most preferably, the UVabsorber is present in an amount between about 3.0 weight % and about5.0 weight %.

Light stabilizers may include for example bis-(substituted)heteropolycyclicdione; N,N′-1,6-hexanediylbis{N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-formamide}; dimethyl succinatepolymer with 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetra-methyl-1-piperidine ethanol;bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate; hindered amine;3-dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl-pyrrolidin-2,5-dione;poly-methylpropyl-3-oxy-[4(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl)piperidinyl]siloxane;bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)-sebacate;bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-sebacate;bis-(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6,tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate;n-butyl-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)bis-(1,2,2,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidinyl)malonate; bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate; compoundscontaining at least one of the following structure:

or mixtures thereof.

For example, the light stabilizer may be present in an amount betweenabout 0.01 weight % and about 3 weight %. Preferably, the lightstabilizer is present in an amount between about 0.05 weight % and about2 weight % and most preferably, in an amount between about 0.1 weight %and about 1.0 weight % based on the total weight of the matte coatingcomposition.

One or more of the differing matte coating compositions of a golf ballof the invention may be a latex, a lacquer, and/or an enamel. In turn,one or more of the differing matte coating compositions of a golf ballof the invention may comprise an acrylic, an epoxy, a urethane, apolyester, a urethane acrylate, a polyester acrylate, and/or an alkyd.

In some embodiments, the first matte coating layer and the second mattecoating layer may differ with respect to coating layer thickness. Eachmatte coating layer may have any known thickness and may be applied viaany known process. In this regard, the thickness of each matte coatinglayer can be adjusted as desired. For example, each coating layer mayhave a thickness of from 0.1 mil to 35.0 mils, or from 0.1 mil to 15.0mils, or from 0.1 mil to 10.0 mils, or from 0.1 mil to 5.0 mils, or from0.1 mil to 3.0 mils.

The gloss value of each matte coating composition may be measuredaccording to ASTM D523 by spraying or otherwise providing the mattecoating composition on a test panel, directing a constant intensitylight beam, at a fixed angle, onto the test panel, and monitoring theamount of reflected light from the same angle. This specular reflectanceis measured using the gloss meter. Gloss measurement is based on theamount of light reflected on the surface relative to a polished glassreference standard, measured in gloss units, expressed as GU. The amountof light that is reflected on the surface is dependent on the angle ofincidence and the properties of the surface.

Gloss values range from 0 GU (perfectly matte) to 100 or greater (veryglossy). Matte coating compositions have gloss values that are generallywithin the lower end of this range and vary depending on the type,properties and amount of matting agent included in the matte coatingcomposition. Gloss value of a matte coating composition is measuredaccording to ASTM D523 by setting the gloss meter at a 60° angle ofincidence or an 85° angle of incidence. Preferably, the gloss value of agiven matte coating composition is measured at each of a 60° angle ofincidence setting and an 85° angle of incidence setting in order toacquire a complete understanding of the gloss value of each given mattecoating composition.

Herein, two given matte coating compositions are considered to havedifferent gloss values if their gloss values differ by 1 GU or greaterwhen measured in accordance with ASTM D523 at the same 60° angle ofincidence setting or the same 85° angle of incidence setting.

Accordingly, in a specific embodiment, the first matte coatingcomposition has a first gloss value GV_(CM1) as measured at a firstangle of incidence using a gloss meter in accordance with ASTM D523; thesecond matte coating composition has a second gloss value GV_(CM2) asmeasured at a second angle of incidence using a gloss meter inaccordance with ASTM D523; the first angle of incidence is the same asthe second angle of incidence; and GV_(CM1) is different than GV_(CM2).

In one embodiment, the angle of incidence is 60°. In another embodiment,the angle of incidence is 85°.

In one specific embodiment, the first matte coating composition and thesecond matte coating composition, combined, have a gloss value GV_(CB)as measured at a third angle of incidence using a gloss meter inaccordance with ASTM D523; the third angle of incidence is the same asthe first angle of incidence and the second angle of incidence; andGV_(CB) is different than one or more of GV_(CM1) or GV_(CM2).

In this regard, the gloss value of the first matte coating compositionand the second matte coating, combined, is measured as follows. If thefirst matte coating composition is the innermost matte coating layer onthe golf ball, then the first matte coating composition is sprayed on atest panel, followed by spraying the second matte coating compositiononto the first coating composition. In turn, if the second matte coatingcomposition is the innermost matte coating layer of the golf ball, thenthe second matte coating composition is sprayed on a test panel,followed by spraying the first matte coating composition onto the secondmatte coating composition. Next, a constant intensity light beam isdirected, at a fixed angle, onto the test panel, and the amount ofreflected light from the same angle is monitored. Just as when measuringthe gloss values of the first matte coating composition or second mattecoating composition, singularly, this specular reflectance is measuredusing the gloss meter, wherein the gloss measurement is based on theamount of light reflected on the surface relative to a polished glassreference standard, measured in gloss units, expressed as GU. The amountof light that is reflected on the surface is dependent on the angle ofincidence and the properties of the surface.

Thus, a different value for GV_(CB) may result when the first mattecoating composition is the innermost matte coating layer on the golfball (i.e., the first matte coating composition is sprayed on the testpanel followed by spraying the second matte coating composition onto thefirst matte coating composition) versus when the second matte coatingcomposition is the innermost matte coating layer of the golf ball (i.e.,the second matte coating composition is sprayed on the test panelfollowed by spraying the first matte coating composition onto the secondcoating composition).

In a specific embodiment, GV_(CB) is less than one or more of GV_(CM1)or GV_(CM2).

In a particular embodiment, the second matte coating layer is formedabout and adjacent to the first matte coating layer, and GV_(CM2) isless than GV_(CM1). In an alternative embodiment, the second mattecoating layer is formed about and adjacent to the first matte coatinglayer, and GV_(CM2) is greater than GV_(CM1).

It is envisioned that each of GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) may have any glossvalue expressed in units GU known to be categorized as a matte glossvalue when measured using the gloss meter in accordance with ASTM D523,whether determined at a measurement angle of 60° or determined at ameasurement angle of 85°.

In non-limiting examples, each of GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) may be up to 20GU, or up to 15 GU, or up to 10 GU, or up to 5 GU.

In some embodiments, GV_(CM1) may be up to 20 GU, while GV_(CM2) is upto 15 GU, or up to 10 GU, or up to 5 GU. Alternatively, GV_(CM2) may beup to 20 GU, while GV_(CM1) is up to 15 GU, or up to 10 GU, or up to 5GU.

In other embodiments, GV_(CM1) may be up to 15 GU, while GV_(CM2) is upto 10 GU, or up to 5 GU. Alternatively, GV_(CM2) may be up to 15 GU,while GV_(CM1) is up to 10 GU, or up to 5 GU.

In still other embodiments, GV_(CM1) may be up to 10 GU, while GV_(CM2)is up to 5 GU.

Alternatively, GV_(CM2) may be up to 10 GU, while GV_(CM1) is up to 5GU.

In other non-limiting examples, GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) may differ,wherein each of GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) is within the range of from 7 GUto 10 GU, or within the range of from greater than 10 GU to 14 GU, orwithin the range of from 3 GU to 7 GU, or within the range of fromgreater than 7 GU to 15 GU, or within the range of from greater than 15GU up to 20 GU, or within the range of from greater than 15 GU up to 20GU, or within the range of from 3 GU to 17 GU, or within the range offrom 1 GU to 20 GU.

Meanwhile, in non-limiting examples, GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) may differ byat least 2 GU, or by at least 3 GU, or by at least 5 GU, or by at least7 GU, or by up to 12 GU, or by up to 17 GU.

A resulting golf ball of the invention as well as the differing mattecoating compositions may have any known color coordinates L*, a*, b* inthe CIELAB color space, wherein the L* value represents lightness, thea* value represents the degree of redness (positive a* to 100) andgreenness (negative a* to −100), and the b* value represents the degreeof yellowness (positive b* up to 100) and blueness (negative b* to−100).

The color difference between two given colors may be quantified byΔE*_(ab) according to the following equation:

ΔE* _(ab)=√{square root over ((L* ₂ −L* ₁)²+(a* ₂ +a* ₁)²+(b* ₂ +b*₁)²)}.

Meanwhile, the h° value in the CIELAB color space represents a hue angle(h°) of from 0° to 360° on the CIELAB diagram which may be quantified byh° according to the following equation:

h°=arctan(b*/a*).

In turn, the C* value in the CIELAB color space represents chroma, theamount of saturation of a color. Chroma is the distance of the colorpoint to the L*-axis. Colors of high chroma are said to be clearer,brighter or more brilliant than colors having a lower chroma. Chroma asused herein can be quantified by C* according to the following equation:

C*=√{square root over (a* ² +b* ²)}.

In a particular embodiment, the first matte coating composition has achroma C*_(CM1) as defined in the CIELAB color space; the second mattecoating composition has a chroma C*_(CM2) as defined in the CIELAB colorspace; and the golf ball has an overall golf ball color appearancehaving a chroma C*_(GB) as defined in the CIELAB color space; whereinC*_(GB) is different than one or more of C*_(CM1) or C*_(CM2).

The invention also relates to a method of making a golf ball of theinvention comprising the steps of: providing a subassembly; forming afirst matte coating layer about an outer surface of the subassembly;forming a second matte coating layer about an outer surface of the firstmatte coating layer; wherein the first matte coating layer is formedfrom a first matte coating composition, the second matte coating layeris formed from a second matte coating composition, and the first mattecoating composition is different than the second matte coatingcomposition.

The subassembly about which the first and second differing matte coatinglayers are formed may have any known construction such as beingone-piece or multi-piece/multi-layered.

It is envisioned that subassemblies may have any known construction suchas being be solid, hollow, foamed, and/or fluid filled and be formedfrom any known golf ball composition.

Non-limiting examples of multi-piece/multi-layered subassemblyconstructions include single cores, or cores having multiple layers,that are surrounded by a cover and optionally one or more intermediatelayer such as a casing layer, mantle layer, film, moisture barrierlayer, and/or inner cover layer.

A golf ball of the invention may be even more fully understood withreference to but not limited by the following examples and accompanyingTABLES I, II and III set forth below.

In this regard, an equal number of golf balls were made for each ofexperimental golf ball groups Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3, and Ex. 4 depicted inTABLE I and comparative golf balls Titleist®TruFeel™ Red (2019) andTitleist®Velocity™ Pink (2019).

Inventive golf balls Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3, and Ex. 4 and the comparativegolf balls were identical except that inventive golf balls Ex. 1, Ex. 2,Ex. 3, and Ex. 4 incorporated a matte coating system of the inventionwith two matte coating layers, wherein each matte coating layercomprised a different matte coating composition (TABLE I), whereas thecomparative golf balls were entirely either Titleist®TruFeel™ Red (2019)or Titleist®Velocity™ Pink (2019) golf balls.

TABLE I Example No. Components Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Golf BallTitleist ® Titleist ® Titleist ® Titleist ® Construction TruFeel ™TruFeel ™ Velocity ™ Velocity ™ Red⁴ Red Pink⁵ Pink Matte X X Primer A¹Matte X X Primer B² Matte X X X X Topcoat ³ Marking Titleist 2 Titleist4 Titleist 2 Titleist 4 System ¹Matte Primer A (WPU60499N) was providedby PPG Industries; wherein ratio ofpaint:CX-100(crosslinker):water(solvent) was 100:1.8:7.3; wherein CX-100is a 100% active polyfunctional aziridine liquid crosslinker; ²MattePrimer B (WPU-MP-EXP3) was provided by PPG Industries; wherein ratio ofpaint:CX-100:water was 100:1.8:9.0; ³Matte Topcoat (SPU-MT-EXP3) wasprovided by PPG Industries; wherein ratio of Resin:Hardener was 2.2:1 byweight; ⁴Titleist ®TruFeel ™ Red 2019 core-cover constructionincorporating inventive coating system disclosed and claimed herein; and⁵Titleist ®Velocity ™ Pink 2019 core-cover construction incorporatinginventive coating system disclosed and claimed herein.

Specifically, golf balls Ex. 1 and Ex. 2 included the sameTitleist®TruFeel™ Red 2019 core/cover construction.

Additionally, golf balls Ex. 1 and golf balls Ex. 2 included the samematte Topcoat, but golf balls Ex. 1 and golf balls Ex. 2 differed inthat golf balls Ex. 1 incorporated matte Primer A, whereas golf ballsEx. 2 incorporated matte Primer B.

Meanwhile, golf balls Ex. 3, and Ex. 4 included the sameTitleist®Velocity™ Pink 2019 core/cover construction.

Additionally, golf balls Ex. 3 and golf balls Ex. 4 included the samematte Topcoat, but golf balls Ex. 3 and golf balls Ex. 4 differed inthat golf balls Ex. 3 incorporated matte Primer A, whereas golf ballsEx. 4 incorporated matte Primer B.

The coating layers were formed about each cover as follows.

First, Matte Primer A or Matte Primer B (the first matte coatingcomposition) was applied about each cover via spraying under theconditions set forth in TABLE II below and allowed to dry.

The resulting first matte coating layers were then inspected andobserved to have a matte appearance.

Next, the matte Topcoat (second matte coating composition) was appliedabout each first matte coating layer to form a second matte coatinglayer and allowed to age for at least seven days.

TABLE II Coating Coating Conditions Parameters WPU60499 WPU-MP-EXP3SPU-MT-EXP3 Viscosity 27 sec. 54 sec. 26 sec. #2 Zahn #2 Zahn #2 ZahnAtomization 32 psi 32 psi 34 psi cc 2.8 2.8 3 Tank pressure 10 psi 10psi 11 psi 3 ball wt. 0.18 g-0.17 g 0.17 g-0.16 g 0.35 g-0.33 g

All golf balls were then inspected and visually compared with theirrespective comparative golf balls.

A visual comparison of inventive golf balls Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex.4 with their respective comparative golf balls revealed that each golfball golf Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 possessed a visibly differentand unique overall matte golf ball appearance than the respectivecomparative golf ball.

Each golf ball was also visually inspected for defects prior tosubjecting the golf balls to the following testing in order to confirmthe durability and color stability of golf balls of the invention.

The results of the following testing appear in TABLE III further below.

A. Dual Pendulum Durability:

Every inventive golf ball Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4, was struck 200times using a Titleist-made Rotating Pendulum Testing Machine.

The machine is configured to strike golf balls repeatedly with agrooved-metal face-plate, rotating at 1100 rpm, positioned 13.5 inchesfrom the drive motor, and angled at approximately 13 degrees.

An assessment of failure was made every 50 hits using a black light tomonitor whether a failure of the matte coating compositions or themarking ink began to occur.

After 200 hits, each golf ball was then evaluated for crazing of theoutermost coating (cracks or lines that appear in the coating oncedried) via Graphite Rub Test.

Crazing can occur/result if the top layer of the coating dries fasterthan the underlying layer, which is therefore still wet.

The top layer of coating forms a skin as it hardens and continues tostretch, and when it hardens too fast, the skin can break, leavingcracks, ridges, bumps, holes and tears that produce unwanted textures inthe coating.

The same procedure was followed with respect to the correspondingcomparative golf balls.

As shown in TABLE III, the results of this test for inventive golf ballsEx. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 incorporating inventive matte PrimerA/matte Topcoat coating system or the matte Primer B/matte Topcoatcoating system were as good as the corresponding results for comparativegolf ball 2019 Titleist®TruFeel™ Red and comparative golf ball 2019Titleist®Velocity™ Pink.

Performing the Graphite Rub Test, pencil graphite shavings were rubbedon the surface of each golf ball, followed by inspecting each golf ballto observe whether cracks/spider webbing occurred on the golf ball.

The same procedure was followed with respect to the correspondingcomparative golf balls.

As shown in TABLE III, the results of this test for inventive golf ballsEx. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 incorporating inventive matte PrimerA/matte Topcoat coating system or the matte Primer B/matte Topcoatcoating system were as good as the corresponding results for comparativegolf ball 2019 Titleist®TruFeel™ Red and comparative golf ball 2019Titleist®Velocity™ Pink.

B. Cold Crack:

One dozen of each of golf balls Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 wereconditioned at −5° F. in a refrigerator.

Each of the golf balls was hit on a CoR (coefficient of restitution)machine once a day for 5 days @ 125 ft/sec. and inspected for coatingcracking.

In this regard, each golf ball was fired from an air cannon at the givenvelocity, travelled toward a steel plate, made impact with the steelplate, and rebounded.

The same procedure was followed with respect to the correspondingcomparative golf balls.

As shown in TABLE III, the results of this test for inventive golf ballsEx. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 incorporating inventive matte PrimerA/matte Topcoat coating system or the matte Primer B/matte Topcoatcoating system were as good as the corresponding results for comparativegolf ball 2019 Titleist®TruFeel™ Red and comparative golf ball 2019Titleist®Velocity™ Pink.

C. Water Immersion Test:

Each of two paint cans were filled with 1800-2000 g of water. A dozengolf balls of each of inventive golf ball groups Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 andEx. 4 were immersed within the water of the two paint cans in groups oftwo dozen golf balls per paint can.

The date/time that the golf balls were immersed in the paint cans wasnoted.

Following 5 days of immersion, all golf balls were removed from thepaint cans and visually observed for paint blisters/peeling/otherchanges.

The same procedure was followed with respect to the correspondingcomparative golf balls.

As shown in TABLE III, the results of this test for inventive golf ballsEx. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 incorporating inventive matte PrimerA/matte Topcoat coating system or the matte Primer B/matte Topcoatcoating system were as good as the corresponding results for comparativegolf ball 2019 Titleist®TruFeel™ Red and comparative golf ball 2019Titleist®Velocity™ Pink.

D. Fertilizer Immersion Test:

Each of two paint cans were filled with 200 g (grams) of fertilizercombined with 2000 g of water. A dozen golf balls of each of inventivegolf ball groups Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 were immersed within thecombined fertilizer and water in groups of two dozen golf balls per can.The date/time that the golf balls were immersed in the paint cans wasnoted.

Following 5 days of immersion, all golf balls were removed from thepaint cans and inspected under black light for paint blisters orpeeling.

The same procedure was followed with respect to the correspondingcomparative golf balls.

As shown in TABLE III, the results of this test for inventive golf ballsEx. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 incorporating inventive matte PrimerA/matte Topcoat coating system or the matte Primer B/matte Topcoatcoating system were as good as the corresponding results for comparativegolf ball 2019 Titleist®TruFeel™ Red and comparative golf ball 2019Titleist®Velocity™ Pink.

E. Oven Aging:

One dozen of each of golf balls Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 wereplaced in an oven and heated at 150° F. for 16 hours and then inspectedunder black light for defects.

The same procedure was followed with respect to the correspondingcomparative golf balls.

As shown in TABLE III, the results of this test for inventive golf ballsEx. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 incorporating inventive matte PrimerA/matte Topcoat coating system or the matte Primer B/matte Topcoatcoating system were as good as the corresponding results for comparativegolf ball 2019 Titleist®TruFeel™ Red and comparative golf ball 2019Titleist®Velocity™ Pink.

F. QUV:

A dozen of each of golf balls Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3, Ex. 4, were testedfor accelerated light stability on days 1,3 and 5 using a Xenon testermodel Q-SUN Xe-3HS, with the values for color coordinates L*, a*, b*, C*and h° being ascertained for all golf balls at each of these timeintervals via colorimetry.

Deltas (change in) lightness (DL*cmc), chroma (DC*cmc), hue (DH*cmc) and“distance” between two colors (DE*cmc) were then be derived between timeinterval Time (0) and Time (day 1), Time (day 3), Time (day 5) for eachgolf ball group using the relevant well known equations in the CIELABcolor space.

The same procedure was followed with respect to the correspondingcomparative golf balls.

The color change (DYI) at day 5 was compared with that of thecorresponding comparative golf ball.

Additionally, any wrinkling of the coating as subjected to humidity,temperature and UV light was also noted.

As shown in TABLE III, the results of this test for inventive golf ballsEx. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 incorporating inventive matte PrimerA/matte Topcoat coating system or the matte Primer B/matte Topcoatcoating system were as good as the corresponding results for comparativegolf ball 2019 Titleist®TruFeel™ Red and comparative golf ball 2019Titleist®Velocity™ Pink.

TABLE III Test Example No. conducted Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Dual X X XX pendulum Cold cracks X X X X Water X X X X Immersion Fertilizer X X XX Oven aging X X X X Xenon X X X X X = result of test was the same asresult of test conducted with respect to non-matte coating comparativegolf ball 2019 Titleist ®TruFeel ™ Red and non-matte coating comparativegolf ball 2019 Titleist ®Velocity ™ Pink.

Accordingly, golf balls Ex. 1, Ex. 2, Ex. 3 and Ex. 4 of the inventionpossess and create a unique overall golf ball matte appearance andmeanwhile are as durable and color-stable as non-matte coatingcomparative golf ball 2019 Titleist®TruFeel™ Red and non-matte coatingcomparative golf ball 2019 Titleist®Velocity™ Pink.

It is also envisioned that one or more additional coating layers (clear,clear-colored, clear colorless, translucent) may be applied about anouter surface of any layer of the golf ball of the invention to furtherdevelop the unique overall golf ball matte appearance. Furthermore, itis envisioned that such additional coating layers may be positionedadjacent one of the matte coating layers or between two given differingmatte coating layers.

Embodiments are envisioned wherein any known additional color effectsmay be added to a matte coating composition as desired. Embodiments arealso envisioned wherein a matte coating layer may be solvent-borne,water-borne and/or powdered, as long as at least two matte coatinglayers are formed from different matte coating compositions.

A golf ball of the invention incorporating a first matte coating layerformed from a first matte coating composition, and a second mattecoating layer formed from a second matte coating composition; whereinthe first matte coating composition is different than the second mattecoating composition has sufficient hardness to withstand the great forceand impact of a club face striking the golf ball. In this regard, ASTMD2134 and a Sward-type hardness rocker can be used to confirm that eachof the first coating layer, formed from the first matte coatingcomposition, and the second coating layer, formed from the second mattecoating composition, has a Sward-type hardness that is within a suitablerange. Non-limiting examples of suitable Sward Rocker Hardness valuesinclude a Sward Rocker Hardness value of about 5 or greater, or a SwardRocker Hardness value of about 10 or greater, or a Sward Rocker Hardnessvalue of from about 30 to 80, or a Sward Rocker Hardness value of fromabout 40 to 70, or a Sward Rocker Hardness value of from about 45 to 60,or a Sward Rocker Hardness value of less than about 40, or a SwardRocker Hardness value of less than about 35, or a Sward Rocker Hardnessvalue of at least 40, and/or a Sward Rocker Hardness value of at least45.

Additionally, ASTM D3363 can be used to confirm that each of the firstmatte coating layer, formed from the first matte coating composition,and the second matte coating layer, formed from the second matte coatingcomposition, has sufficient pencil hardness. In this regard, suitablepencil hardnesses include, for example: in excess of 3H on the scale, apencil hardness rating of from about 3H to about 7H on the scale, apencil hardness of HB on the scale, a pencil hardness of less than aboutHB on the scale, a pencil hardness of B on the scale, or a pencilhardness of 2B.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the moisture barrier properties of eachof the first matte coating layer, formed from the first matte coatingcomposition, and the second matte coating layer, formed from the secondmatte coating composition, may be targeted. In such embodiments, thesemoisture barrier properties may be confirmed by ascertaining thenormalized moisture vapor transition rate (nMVTR) thereof. NormalizedMVTRs compare the ability of materials to resist moisture penetrationirrespective of the thickness of the material and can be determined bythe equation VTR(g·mm/m²·day)·(1/thickness (mm)) or g/(m²·day).Non-limiting examples of suitable nMVTRs include an nMVTR of less thanabout 5.0, an nMVTR in the range of 3.9 to 6.3, an nMVTR in the range ofless than 9.0, and/or or an nMVTR of from 9.0 to 12.0.

Golf balls of the present invention may have any known construction, solong as a first matte coating layer, formed from a first matte coatingcomposition, and a second matte coating layer, formed from a secondmatte coating composition, is incorporated therein wherein the firstmatte coating composition is different than the second matte coatingcomposition such as disclosed herein.

Otherwise, golf balls of the invention may contain any number of otherlayers comprising any known composition and have any known dimensionsand possess any known golf properties. Golf balls of the invention mayhave any known dimple count.

Thus, golf balls of the invention may have any known diameter; cores ofgolf ball of the invention may have any known diameter; and golf balllayer(s), including golf ball layer(s) formed from a matte coatingcomposition, may have any known thickness. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable core diameters range from less than 0.5 inches up to about 1.8inches. Non-limiting examples of suitable coating layer thicknessesrange from 0.1 mil to 35.0 mils, or from 0.1 mil to 15.0 mils, or from0.1 mil to 10.0 mils, or from 0.1 mil to 5.0 mils, or from 0.1 mil to3.0 mils. Non-limiting examples of suitable non-coating layerthicknesses range from 0.005 inches to 0.750 inches.

Logo(s) or other print such as UV print may be provided on any layersurface of a golf ball of the invention.

Furthermore, golf ball layers may be applied or molded using any knownsuitable process in view of the particular polymer composition selectedfor the given matte coating composition, the pre-selected layerthickness, and/or the specific layer-type (inner core, intermediatelayer, outer cover, coating layer) being formed from the matte coatingcomposition. For example, the golf ball layers, including a layer formedfrom a matte coating composition, may be formed using at least one ofcompression molding, flip molding, injection molding, retractable pininjection molding, reaction injection molding (RIM), liquid injectionmolding (LIM), casting, vacuum forming, particle coating, flow coating,spin coating, dipping, spraying, and the like. Conventionally,compression molding and injection molding are applied to thermoplasticmaterials, whereas RIM, liquid injection molding, and casting areemployed on thermoset materials.

Layers of golf balls of the invention other than coating layers may havevarious hardnesses and hardness gradients as known in the golf ball artdepending on the particular golf ball playing characteristics beingtargeted. Non-limiting examples of suitable hardness ranges include from35 Shore C to about 98 Shore C, or 50 Shore C to about 90 Shore C, or 60Shore C to about 85 Shore C, or 45 Shore C to about 75 Shore C, or 40Shore C to about 85 Shore C, or from about 20 Shore D to about 90 ShoreD, or from about 30 Shore D to about 60 Shore D, or from about 40 ShoreD to about 50 Shore D, or 50 Shore D or less, or greater than 50 ShoreD.

Of course, advantageously, a resulting golf ball of the inventioncreated using the method of the invention may have any known hardnessgradient and in any known hardness scale in the golf ball art such asShore C, Shore D, Shore M, etc.

Thermoset and thermoplastic layers herein may be treated in such amanner as to create a positive or negative hardness gradient within andbetween golf ball layers. In golf ball layers of the present inventionwherein a thermosetting rubber is used, gradient-producing processesand/or gradient-producing rubber formulation may be employed.Gradient-producing processes and formulations are disclosed more fully,for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,678,312; 7,537,530; 7,537,529;7,429,221; and 7,410,429; the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Golf balls of the invention and the materials of layers thereof may havea Coefficient of Restitution (CoR) of at least 0.700, or 0.750 orgreater, or at least 0.800. CoR is determined according to a knownprocedure, wherein a golf ball or golf ball sub-assembly (for example, agolf ball core) is fired from an air cannon at two given velocities anda velocity of 125 ft/s is used for the calculations. Ballistic lightscreens are located between the air cannon and steel plate at a fixeddistance to measure ball velocity. As the ball travels toward the steelplate, it activates each light screen and the ball's time period at eachlight screen is measured. This provides an incoming transit time periodwhich is inversely proportional to the ball's incoming velocity. Theball makes impact with the steel plate and rebounds so it passes againthrough the light screens. As the rebounding ball activates each lightscreen, the ball's time period at each screen is measured. This providesan outgoing transit time period which is inversely proportional to theball's outgoing velocity. The CoR is then calculated as the ratio of theball's outgoing transit time period to the ball's incoming transit timeperiod (COR=V_(out)/V_(in)=T_(in)/T_(out)).

Additional examples of other suitable golf ball compositions,dimensions, golf properties methods for measuring properties of golfballs of the invention and methods for making golf balls of theinvention are disclosed in the following co-owned patents/publications,each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,040,250, 10,933,285, 10,596,419, 10,016,659,10,661,123, 10,967,225, 10,821,327, 10,252,113, 10,918,912, 10,814,180,10,773,129, 10,682,553, 10,500,444, 10,500,443, 10,427,004, 10,119,008,10,105,576, 10,105,575, 10,933,285, 10,933,285, 10,933,285, 10,933,285,10,933,285, 9,095,748, 10,428,216 and U.S. Publ. No. 2021/0094209.

For each embodiment of a golf ball and/or method of the inventiondisclosed herein, alternative embodiments are indeed also envisionedwherein “comprises” (e.g., “comprise”, “comprised of”, “comprising”,etc.) may be replaced with “consists essentially of” (e.g., “consistessentially of”, “consisting essentially of”, etc.) and/or “consists of”(e.g., “consist of”, “consisting of”, etc.).

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art of this disclosure. It will be furtherunderstood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the specification andshould not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein. Well known functions or constructions maynot be described in detail for brevity or clarity.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges ofvarying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that anycombination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well (i.e., at least one of whatever the article modifies),unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The golf balls described and claimed herein are not to be limited inscope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed, since theseembodiments are intended as illustrations of several aspects of thedisclosure. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within thescope of this disclosure. Indeed, various modifications of the device inaddition to those shown and described herein will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Suchmodifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appendedclaims. All patents and patent applications cited in the foregoing textare expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Anysection headings herein are provided only for consistency with thesuggestions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizationalqueues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s)set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf ball comprising a core, a cover, a firstmatte coating layer formed from a first matte coating composition, and asecond matte coating layer formed from a second matte coatingcomposition; wherein the first matte coating composition is differentthan the second matte coating composition.
 2. The golf ball of claim 1,wherein: the first matte coating composition comprises a first mattingagent; the second matte coating composition comprises a second mattingagent; and the first matting agent and the second matting agent aredifferent.
 3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein: the first matte coatingcomposition comprises a first matting agent; the second matte coatingcomposition comprises a second matting agent; and the first mattingagent and the second matting agent are the same.
 4. The golf ball ofclaim 1, wherein: the first matte coating composition comprises a baseresin, a matting agent, a water-based solvent and a crosslinker; and thesecond matte coating composition comprises a base resin, a mattingagent, a non-water-based solvent, and a hardener.
 5. The golf ball ofclaim 1, wherein: the first matte coating composition has a first glossvalue GV_(CM1) as measured at a first angle of incidence using a glossmeter in accordance with ASTM D523; the second matte coating compositionhas a second gloss value GV_(CM2) as measured at a second angle ofincidence using a gloss meter in accordance with ASTM D523; the firstangle of incidence is the same as the second angle of incidence; andGV_(CM1) is different than GV_(CM2).
 6. The golf ball of claim 5,wherein: the first matte coating composition and the second mattecoating composition, combined, have a gloss value GV_(CB) as measured ata third angle of incidence using a gloss meter in accordance with ASTMD523; the third angle of incidence is the same as each of the firstangle of incidence and the second angle of incidence; and GV_(CB) isdifferent than one or more of GV_(CM1) or GV_(CM2).
 7. The golf ball ofclaim 6, wherein GV_(CB) is less than one or more of GV_(CM1) orGV_(CM2).
 8. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein: the second matte coatinglayer is formed about and adjacent to the first matte coating layer; andGV_(CM2) is less than GV_(CM1).
 9. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein:the second matte coating layer is formed about and adjacent to the firstmatte coating layer; and GV_(CM2) is greater than GV_(CM1).
 10. The golfball of claim 5, wherein each of GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) is up to 20 GU.11. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein each of GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) isup to 15 GU.
 12. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein each of GV_(CM1) andGV_(CM2) is up to 10 GU.
 13. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein each ofGV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) is up to 5 GU.
 14. The golf ball of claim 5,wherein GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) differ by at least 3 GU.
 15. The golf ballof claim 5, wherein GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) differ by at least 5 GU. 16.The golf ball of claim 5, wherein GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2) differ by atleast 7 GU.
 17. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein GV_(CM1) and GV_(CM2)differ by up to 12 GU.
 18. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein each angleof incidence is 60°.
 19. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein each angle ofincidence is 85°.
 20. The golf ball of claim 6, wherein: the first mattecoating composition has a chroma C*_(CM1) as defined in the CIELAB colorspace; the second matte coating composition has a chroma C*_(CM2) asdefined in the CIELAB color space; and the golf ball has an overall golfball color appearance having a chroma C*_(GB) as defined in the CIELABcolor space; and C*_(GB) is different than one or more of C*_(CM1) orC*_(CM2).